Wakefield Hall

Wakefield Hall is a hidden gem among the high rents of Dupont Circle and U Street. I searched DC high and low (one might say obsessively) for a one bedroom and the rent here, though ludicrous by national standards, is a steal compared to the DC market. I currently pay $ 1695 for a 600+ square foot corner unit on the 6^th floor, with all utilities (even electricity!) included. That is a good 300 – 400 dollars less than buildings just across the street. The building doesn’t really advertise on craigslist, so it was by pure luck that I stumbled across Wakefield Hall.
Positives:
–Location and convenience! The neighborhood has tons of bars, restaurants and Starbucks less than a 5 minute walk away. A VIDA gym is so close that you have no excuse not to exercise, and Harris Teeter and Yes Organic grocery store is less than 10 min walk away. The U street metro is 3 blocks, and there are tons of bus lines running towards downtown for an easy commute. I’ve never felt unsafe walking home at night because there are always so many people out and about at the bars. I previously lived in Dupont Circle and I like this neighborhood much better!
–The apartment manager leaves your packages inside your unit, which gives you peace of mind that no one will steal them from the lobby.
–I love, love my unit: but I think I may have lucked out because others in the building may be smaller. Hardwood floors, super clean unit. I have sunshine and windows galore– with a view of the Washington monument.
–Wendy is the super. She is funny, and keeps the common areas in meticulous condition.
Negatives:
–The building is no frills: no doorman, no pool, rooftop, or gym. It was also built in the early 1900s so you get the accompanying quirks of a pre-​war building: radiators with personalities, lead paint (probably not best for people with young children), and no handicap accessibility.
— No in-​unit laundry– there is coin laundry in the basement but it closes at 10 pm, which is too early. Am I the only freakish person who sometimes desperately needs to do laundry late at night?
–NOISE! This is my biggest gripe. The street itself is residential and does not have much traffic, but the building is 3 blocks from a Police Station and about 2 blocks from a fire station. There are sirens going off ALL the time and I find myself asking how many fires could there be?
Overall, I’m really happy with my decision to rent here. I’m in the middle of it all, and for a young professional, it’s the perfect place to be.